Baseball: Gulf hangs on to claim first victory

LAND O'LAKES - Gulf entered its fifth game averaging just one run, but the Buccaneers doubled that Friday night for a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sunlake.

Gulf (1-4) scratched across a run in the seventh inning on a bunt single from senior C.J. Deloges, scoring Tom Pospisil for the winning run.

The Buccaneers scored in the first inning without a hit. Shortstop Chris Kaeler reached on an error to start the inning. He then stole second and third before scoring on a throwing error by Seahawks catcher Tim Noble.

Gulf had a hard time figuring out Sunlake starter Connor Coplon, who at one time retired 11 straight.

But the Buccaneers pitchers were equally impressive, allowing just three hits. Ant Koustonikas went the first 11/3 innings before leaving because of a tired arm. Second baseman Cameron Goodrich came in and allowed just one run on two hits in 31/3 innings. Kaeler worked a perfect sixth and seventh innings for the win.

"We have good pitching, and Goodrich did a good job on short notice," Buccaneers coach Shaun Wiemer said. "We knew when we got late in the game, Kaeler would shut the door. We have to win the close ones, and we did that."

Coplon went the distance for the Seahawks (3-3) and took the loss, finishing with nine strikeouts and walking just one.